Data-driven mathematical modelling of particle dynamics in opaque fluid flows

Progress in modelling multiphase particle-liquid flows has been hampered by their opacity which makes them difficult or impossible to visualise using conventional optical techniques. The same applies to flows in opaque containers including blood flow in human or animal bodies. A promising solution to this problem is offered by Particle Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT), a visualisation technique that relies on the detection of gamma rays emitted by radioactive particles placed in the flow. The aim of this project is to develop new mathematical models of particle motion in multiphase flows based on available PEPT trajectory data. The models, ranging from simple single-particle models to more complex models of particle interactions, will shed light on flow rheology and enable the identification of coherent flow structures. A broad spectrum of mathematical methods will be covered: stochastic modelling, Bayesian inference, dynamical systems and numerical simulations. The project is part of a large EPSRC-funded collaborative programme with groups at the University of Birmingham and King’s College London.

The student will join the 4-year integrated programme of the EPSRC CDT in Mathematical Modelling, Analysis and Computation (MAC-MIGS, www.mac-migs.ac.uk) run jointly by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

Entry requirements:

Essential

- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or an area of Science and Engineering with a strong mathematical component (first class or strong upper-second class or the equivalent from an overseas university)
- good programming skills